Keepsakes retention system

ABSTRACT

A plurality of containers comprises a series of “volumes” each identified by a significant event or time period in a child&#39;s development to young adulthood. Each “volume” comprises a book-like container having a simulated binding whereby a series of the “volumes” can stand on a shelf and give the appearance of a row of large books. Each “volume” is identifiable on the binding as to the event or time period and a transparent pocket is included for a picture of the child from the event or time period. Within each “volume” are transparent sleeves for pictures and other two dimensional items as well as ample room for baby shoes. trinkets, ribbons, and small trophies, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is a complete patent application based on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/088,573 filed Jun. 9, 1998.

[0002] The field of the invention pertains to keeping collections of items of family and personal interest relating to the birth, childhood and teenage years of a child in an organized manner. In particular, the invention pertains to the retention and protection of both two-dimensional items such as pictures and small three-dimensional items such as baby shoes.

[0003] Typically, significant events such as birth, childhood birthdays and other significant events and teenage significant events and achievements are marked and recorded by photographs, baby shoes, small gifts and trinkets, corsages and prom gifts that become treasured items later in life. The items can easily be misplaced or permanently lost. Sometimes they are accidently thrown-away without their personal value being realized. Typically, the items are stored in drawers, shoe boxes and old suitcases. To bring order to the significant items to be retained and thereby protect the items, the following keepsakes retention system has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention comprises a series of “volumes” each identified by a significant event or time period in a child's development to young adulthood. Each “volume” comprises a book like container having a simulated binding whereby a series of the “volumes” can stand on a shelf and give the appearance of a row of large books. Each “volume” is identifiable on the binding as to the event or time period and a transparent pocket is included for a picture of the child from the event or time period. Within each “volume” are transparent sleeves for pictures and other two dimensional items as well as ample room for baby shoes, trinkets, ribbons, and small trophies, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 depicts a row of “volumes” as they might appear on a shelf;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the box-like closed configuration of a volume;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the box-like open configuration of a volume; and,

[0008]FIG. 4 is a third perspective view of the box-like configuration of a volume showing the binding.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a plurality of “volumes” 10, 12, 14 and 16 each from a larger set as indicated by the volume numbers at the bottom of each binding as shown. Each binding includes a title 18 indicating a time period such as “Kid Keepsakes” or “Teen Keepsakes” or an event such as “Graduate Keepsakes” or “Wedding Keepsakes” as shown. Also appropriate is a translucent pocket 20 on each binding for the insertion of a photograph appropriate to the time period or event.

[0010] Lined up in a row as shown in FIG. 1 the “volumes” appear as a set of volumes in an elegant book series suitable for display on a shelf. However, each “volume” comprises a boxlike container 22 as illustrated in perspective in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The container 22 comprises a base 24, binding 26, fixed sides 28, cover 30 and drop front 32. A clasp 34 connects the drop front 32 to the cover 30 when the container is closed.

[0011] Inside the container 22 two-dimensional items may be stacked as shown at 36. Some of these two-dimensional items may be protected by transparent pockets. Also, three-dimensional items such as the baby spoon 38 can be retained in the container 22.

[0012] “Volumes” can be added as events and time periods occur and the “volumes” can be customized as appropriate for the particular time periods or events. 

1. A plurality of box-like containers each having fixed sides, a base, a cover, a binding and a front, said binding decorated to give the appearance of a volume in a set of volumes, at least one of the containers including means to systematically organize and retain a plurality of two dimensional items, and at least one of the containers of sufficient capacity to retain a plurality of small three-dimensional items.
 2. The plurality of containers according to claim 1 wherein the bindings include transparent pockets for indicia and photographs.
 3. The plurality of containers according to claim 1 wherein the bindings include indicia printed thereon.
 4. The plurality of containers according to claim 1 wherein the front is a drop front and the front and cover clasp together to close the container. 